USF has awarded one of its highest honors to the San Francisco Free Clinic, which has provided free medical care to more than 70,000 uninsured patients.

Doctors Richard and Tricia Gibbs accepted the 2013 University of San Francisco California Prize for Service and the Common Good at an Oct. 29 gala dinner on campus.

“Along with everyone at the San Francisco Free Clinic, we are honored and grateful to USF for the California Prize,” said Dr. Richard Gibbs. “The prize not only rewards all the wonderful folks who have helped with the Free Clinic over the years, but it allows us to tell the clinic’s story and especially the continuing need to provide all people the opportunity for a healthy life.”

The Gibbses celebrate the Free Clinic’s 20th anniversary this year. In 1993, the couple closed their successful private medical practice to open the clinic in San Francisco’s Richmond District. Since its founding, the clinic has offered free primary care, preventative care, and medication to those who couldn’t afford it. It has connected patients to hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of care through its extensive network of volunteer specialists, at no cost to the patient.

It has also provided clinical placements for medical students.

“Richard and Tricia have selflessly devoted themselves to caring for those who otherwise would not have access to the high-quality health care that the Free Clinic delivers,” said USF President Stephen A. Privett, S.J. “In honoring their work, the university draws attention to this nation’s failure to provide universal health care.”

USF awards the California Prize to recognize an organization or individuals whose efforts benefit Californians, especially the poor and marginalized. Past recipients include the San Francisco Giants Foundation, Daniel Lurie of Tipping Point Community, One PacificCoast Bank (formerly OneCalifornia Bank and Foundation), chef Alice Waters, and social entrepreneur Lynn Fritz.